Probably not the last Last of Us…

Sony’s Last of Us is easily the most remastered and re-released series since Resident Evil 4. There have been five separate skus for two games since its inception. Last of Us 2 was a very divisive game with exceptional presentation and it felt like no other game on the console. So the big question was already did we truly need a remaster? The PS4 version received a patch to make it run better on PS5, but the fact that there is an easy upgrade path and some new content makes this release sting a little less than previous ones. Still was this necessary or just a way to have a first party release in the beginning of 2024?

One of the first things that stood out to me in early media for this game was that I was struggling to see the difference visually between the two versions. This is a testament to how good it already looked on PS4. Naughty Dog is one of the best when it comes to pure fidelity in gaming. The character models and environments are painstakingly detailed. The PS5 remaster really struggles to set itself apart. The loading times are improved, but I loaded up the PS4 original and struggled to see much of a difference. The previous version was already patched for a faster framerate via the PS5, so if you are coming to this version solely for the technical upgrade, there just isn’t a whole lot here.

MSRP: $69.99 ($10 upgrade for previous owners)
Platforms: PlayStation
Price I’d Pay: $69.99

What is new about this version though makes up for the lack of visual updates. There is a bunch of behind the scenes and developer commentary about the making of the game. This includes a look at three levels not included in the original as well as insight from the developers about creating this world. It is all extremely fascinating considering how massive this project was. The game now also takes advantage of the Dual Sense controller with a bevy of features. It felt great to revisit some of these encounters with the new haptic feedback, and if you are fan of these implementations, you will love the attention to detail Naughty Dog has added here.

Probably the biggest addition to this version though is the new roguelike survival mode. Now anyone who knows me, knows this is just not my gaming jam. No Return doesn’t change that, but the addition is not sparse in its offerings. Players can choose various characters from the main game as they fight waves of enemies trying to survive and collect resources between rounds that can be used to upgrade and purchase new weapons. It is a neat showcase to show off the combat and adds quite a bit to the package. I had fun with the mode, even though I am not a fan of the genre.

We are kind of at the point where the whole cross-generation upgrades and “Smart Delivery” stuff has been forgotten. That being said, Sony did the right thing and is offering this upgrade to owners of the original game for $10, which is more than fair. If you already own the game, the price is worth what is included. The new mode, the Dual Sense options, and faster loading times are all great additions that justify the price tag. If you have never experienced the game, this is by far the most complete version.

All this being said the game is still Last of Us II, and for a lot of folks that is a polarizing conversation. Revisiting this adventure I was reminded of just how bleak and miserable it was to play. The production values are good and the game play just fine, but I found myself having to force my way through it once again. I just do not like so much of the experience. It is miserable, none of the characters are likable most of the time. It is just an adventure filled with depression. Your mileage may vary, and if you enjoy drab narratives, this will likely be your opus. I just found myself feeling down while playing this game, which may be exactly what it is going for.

Last of Us II Remastered could have been a cash grab with the success of the TV show, but instead feels like a solid upgrade with a reasonable path for owners of the original. The added content is more than worth the asking price, and the game remains one of the most impressive technical feats of all time.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.